how do you get an indication of when there will be any action? >> well, the senate is here on the 27th. they're here thursday. not at the highest level, but there will probably be sort of a few gauging calls. these talks for all intents and purposes, ari, right now are pretty much stalled until late next week, and by that time you really only have six days left before the 31st comes around. >> thank you, luke russert for your reporting. i know you were up late last night with all the meetings and back at it today. thank you for your time. >> take care. >> let's go to you. what do you think of what we just heard? they are basically fleeing. there will be some staff discussions, but there have been staff discussions. if we go over the cliff, ultimately with your view, is that good for progressives and those who want obama to give up less? >> all along i have really thought that, you know, the president has a lot more leverage. democrats have a lot more leverage. why don't they just wait it out? i think the initial offer that the president brought t